Archives of Environmental Protection

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Description

Archives of Environmental Protection is the oldest Polish
scientific journal of international scope that publishes articles on
engineering and environmental protection. The quarterly has been
published by the Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy
of Sciences since 1975. The journal has served as a forum for the
exchange of views and ideas among scientists. It has become part of
scientific life in Poland and abroad. The quarterly publishes the
results of research and scientific inquiries by best specialists hereby
becoming an important pillar of science. The journal facilitates better
understanding of environmental risks to humans and ecosystems and it
also shows the methods for their analysis as well as trends in the
search of effective solutions to minimize these risks. The journal is
indexed by Thomson Reuters services (Biological Abstract, BIOSIS
Previews) and has an Impact Factor 2017 of 1.120

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction and development of membrane techniques in the
production of drinking water and puriﬁ cation of wastewaters, in the
last 40 years, was important stage in the ﬁeld of water treatment
effectiveness. Desalination of sea and brackish water by RO is an
established way for drinking water production. Signiﬁ cant improvements
in design of RO, the application of alternative energy sources, modern
pretreatment and new materials have caused the success of the process.
NF is the method of water softening, because NF membranes can retain di-
and multivalent ions, but to a limited extend monovalent. Drinking water
containing viruses, bacteria and protozoa, as well as other
microorganisms can be disinfected by means of UF. Viruses are retained
by UF membranes, whereas bacteria and protozoa using both UF and MF
membranes. For the removal of NOM it is possible to use direct NF or
integrated systems combining UF or MF with coagulation, adsorption and
oxidation. The use of NF, RO and ED, in the treatment of water
containing micropollutants for drinking and industrial purposes, can
provide more or less selective removal of the pollutants. The very
important are disinfection byproducts, residue

of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds. For endocrine
disrupting compounds, special attention is paid onto polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons and surface-active substances, chlorinated pesticides,
phthalates, alkylphenols, polychlorinated biphenyls, hormones, synthetic
pharmaceuticals and other substances disposed to the environment. The
application of MF and UF in the removal of inorganic and organic
micropollutants is possible in integrated systems with: coagulation,
adsorption, complexion with polymers or surfactants and biological
reactions.

Abstract

The partial solution for the growing contamination of the environment is
the implementation of new technologies. The most of the currently
operated systems for surface and groundwaters treatment as well as for
wastewater treatment characterize with complex technological
arrangements based on a number of unit operations. In water-wastewater
management membrane processes are more often applied, especially those
in which the difference of pressure at both membrane sites is used as a
driving force. As an example of such application is the use of nanoﬁ
ltration for groundwaters treatment at Water Treatment Plant Zawada near
Dębica or the treatment of municipal landﬁ ll leachate and industrial
wastewater at Eko Dolina Waste Utilization Plant in Łężyce near Gdynia
(reverse osmosis unit capacity of 120 m /d). Municipal wastewater
treatment based on membrane technologies has already been implemented at
domestic wastewater treatment plant. It is especially proﬁ table, when
the load of contaminant present in a wastewater varies within a year. In
the case of membrane systems use, this issue can be neglected. As an
example of membrane based system may serve WWTP in Rowy n/Ustka started
up in 2013 and modernized in 2017. The latest trends and developments of
selected suppliers of membrane systems are also presented.

Abstract

To improve dye retention, there is a concurrent interest in the
development and optimization of an alternative and promising method for
the dye recovery in aqueous solutions. In this regard, considerable
attention was paid to the polyoxometalates (POMs) assisted ultraﬁ
ltration (POMAUF). The aim of the present study is to eliminate
toluidine blue (TB) dye by ultraﬁ ltration membrane using keggin
polyoxometalates (POMs) as complexing agents. In the ﬁ rst step, the
keggin polyoxometalates K3[PW12O40]∙6H2O(PW12)
and K7[PW) were prepared. Then, the obtained powders were
characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopies.
Afterwards, the removal of toluidine blue (TB) using polyoxometalates
assisted ultraﬁ ltration (POMAUF) was studied. Factors affecting the
retention of dye and permeate ﬂ ux such as transmembrane pressure,
operating time, polyoxometalates concentration, ionic strength,
surfactant and pH were investigated. All results of both compounds have
been presented and discussed. The results reveal that the addition of
POMs leads to an increase in dye retention from 11 to 95% for the PW 12
and to 98% for the PW . The results of this work have thus suggested the
promising enhancement of ultraﬁ ltration membrane selectivity for the
dye removal using new complexing agents such as POMs in place of
polyelectrolytes and surfactants.

Abstract

Since ﬂuoroquinolone (FQ) antibiotics are extensively used both in human
and veterinary medicine their accumulation in the environment is causing
increasing concern. The aim of the study was to isolate a microbial
consortium resistant to oﬂ oxacin and norﬂ oxacin and able to biodegrade
both antibiotics. Green compost was used as a source of microorganisms.
The biodegradation efﬁ ciency was monitored by changes of antibiotics
concentrations and toxicity. The microbial consortium was composed of
two bacterial isolates: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K2) and Achromobacter sp.
(K3) and two fungi Candida manassasensis (K1) and Trichosporon asahii
(K4). All the isolates were characterized as highly resistant to both
antibiotics – oﬂ oxacin and norﬂ oxacin. FQs were supplied individually
into the culture medium in the presence of an easily degradable carbon
source – glucose. Biodegradation of norﬂ oxacin was much faster than oﬂ
oxacin biodegradation. During 20 days of the experiment, the norﬂ oxacin
level decreased by more than 80%. Oﬂ oxacin was generally biodegraded
thereafter at relatively slow biodegradation rate. After 28 days the oﬂ
oxacin level decreased by 60%. Similarly, the toxicity of biodegraded
antibiotics decreased 4-fold and 3.5-fold for norﬂ oxacin and oﬂ oxacin,
respectively. The ability of the bacterial-fungal consortium to degrade
antibiotics and reduce toxicity could help to reduce environmental
pollution with these pharmaceutical.

Abstract

The current study was aimed to evaluate the industrial efﬂ uents
biodegradation potential of an indigenous microorganism which reduced
water pollution caused by these efﬂ uents. In the present study
biodegradation of three textile industrial efﬂ uents was performed with
locally isolated brown rot fungi named Coniophora puteana IEBL-1.
Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed under Box Bhenken Design
(BBD) for the optimization of physical and nutritional parameters for
maximum biodegradation. Quality of treated efﬂ uents was checked by
study of BOD, COD and analysis through HPLC. Three ligninolytic enzymes
named lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase were also
studied during the biodegradation process. The results showed that there
was more than 85% biodegradation achieved for all three efﬂ uents with
decrease in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand
(COD) below the recommended values for industrial efﬂ uent i.e. 80 mg/L
for BOD and 220 mg/L for COD after optimization of nutritional
parameters in the second stage. Analysis of samples through HPLC
revealed the formation of less toxic diphenylamine,
3-methyldiphenylamine and N-methylaniline after treatment. The
ligninolytic enzymes assays conﬁ rmed the role of lignin peroxidase
(LiP), manganese peroxidase (MnP) and laccase in biodegradation process.
Lignin peroxidase with higher activity has more contribution in
biodegradation of efﬂ uents under study. It can be concluded through the
results that Coniophora buteana IEBL-1 is a potential fungus for
the treatment of industrial efﬂuents.

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the microbiological quality of
atmospheric air in the Tuchów Sewage Treatment Plant, based on the
presence of mesophilic bacteria, α- and β-hemolytic bacteria,
actinomycetes and fungi. Bioaerosol measurements were made at four
points (raw sewage inlet, aeration chamber, puriﬁ ed sewage outlet and
150 m from the treatment plant, at the background point) in the period
from January to December 2018. Bioaerosol samples were collected using
Andersen’s 6-stage cascade impactor. The tested atmospheric air was
characterized by a qualitatively and quantitatively diverse microﬂ ora.
The highest amounts of all the studied groups of microorganisms were
found at the raw sewage inlet, and in the case of actinomycetes, also
twice in the place of biological puriﬁcation. However, there were
analyzes in which a higher concentration of microorganisms was observed
outside the treatment plant at the control point constituting the
background. This applies to bacteria and fungi. The largest source of
emission of microorganisms to the atmosphere was the mechanical part of
the sewage treatment plant (raw sewage inlet). The tested treatment
plant may therefore contribute to the deterioration of the quality of
the atmospheric air.

Abstract

Results of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle assessment (LCA)
for septic tanks collecting domestic sewage were presented. The study
included the whole life cycle: construction, use and end-of-life stages
of septic tanks. The analyses were conducted basing on actual data
concerning performance of 793 septic tanks in Żory. Environmental impact
assessment of the life cycle of septic tanks was conducted with TRACi
and ReCiPe methods. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission, eutrophication,
fossil fuel depletion and metal depletion indicators were calculated and
determinants of LCA of septic tanks were analysed. The system boundary
was from cradle to grave. It was concluded that at the construction
stage, GHG emission and fossil fuel depletion indicators are determined
by the amount of concrete, steel, polyester resin, polyethylene, cast
iron and PCV. At the use stage, GHG emission is determined by the amount
and type of electricity used to treat sewage in a wastewater treatment
plant (WWTP). Untreated wastewater, introduced into the environment
(leaking tanks and users discharging sewage), is a determinant of inﬂ
uence on eutrophication. Life cycle inventory and environmental
assessment of septic tanks with life cycle perspective are presented in
the literature for the ﬁ rst time. The results highlight the importance
of including each stage in the environmental assessment of elements of
the urban wastewater system.

Abstract

Nanotechnology is a manipulation of nature that has emerged through the
use of basic sciences, material science and engineering at the
nano-scale. The interaction between biological environment and
nanoparticles-nanoparticles or nanoparticles-organic materials is not
yet well-understood. The toxic effects of nanoparticles on plants were
investigated and it was proved that they caused morphological and
physiological changes in plants. This study aimed to determine the
effects of TiO -TiO2Ag nanoparticles, and co-application of
EDDS-TiO2Ag nanoparticles alone, co-application of ZnO
nanoparticles- Ag nanoparticles on seed germination, seedling vigor,
radicle and plumule elongation of two different wheat species. In the
experimental stage, ten seeds were placed in petri-dishes with a double
layer of ﬁ lter paper which was used as an inert material. Then 5 mL of
TiO2Ag, ZnO+TiO2Ag, and EDDS+TiO2Ag
suspensions were added to every petri dish. Results showed that the
maximum SVI was determined at the concentration of 50 mg∙L-1
TiO2 Ag+EDDS for bread wheat and the minimum SVI was observed
at 100 mg∙L-1 TiO2Ag nanoparticles
concentration for durum wheat. The effect of both
nanoparticles-nanoparticles interaction and the other
chemicals-nanoparticles interaction on the ecosystems should be
evaluated.

Abstract

In this study, the aim was to model the toxic effect of copper (Cu) and
analyse the removal of Cu in aqueous Saharan and non-Saharan mediums by
Lemna minor. Two separate test groups were formed: with Saharan dust (S)
and without Saharan dust (WS). These test groups were exposed to 3
different Cu concentrations (0.05, 0.50 and 5.00 ppm). Time,
concentration, and group-dependent removal efﬁ ciencies were compared
using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and statistically signiﬁ
cant differences were found. The optimum removal values were tested at
the highest concentration 79.6% in the S medium and observed on the 4th
day for all test groups. The lowest removal value (16%) was observed at
0.50 ppm on the 1st day in the WS medium. When the S medium and WS
medium were compared, in all test groups Cu was removed more
successfully in the S medium than the WS medium contaminated by Cu in 3
different concentrations of (0.05 ppm, 0.50 ppm, 5.00 ppm). The
regression analysis was also tested for all prediction models. Different
models were performed and it was found that cubic models show the
highest predicted values (R2). The R2 values of
the estimation models were found to be at the interval of 0.939–0.991 in
the WS medium and 0.995–1.000 in the S medium.

Abstract

Tires play an important role in the automobile industry. However, their
disposal when worn out has adverse effects on the environment. The main
aim of this study was to prepare activated carbon from waste tire
pyrolysis char by impregnating KOH onto pyrolytic char. Adsorption
studies on lead onto chemically activated carbon were carried out using
response surface methodology. The effect of process parameters such as
temperature (°C), adsorbent dosage (g/100 ml), pH, contact time
(minutes) and initial lead concentration (mg/l) on the adsorption
capacity were investigated. It was found out that the adsorption
capacity increased with an increase in adsorbent dosage, contact time,
pH, and decreased with an increase in lead concentration and
temperature. Optimization of the process variables was done using a
numerical optimization method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR)
analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and
scanning electron microscope were used to characterize the pyrolytic
carbon char before and after activation. The numerical optimization
analysis results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity of

93.176 mg/g was obtained at adsorbent dosage of 0.97 g/100 ml, pH 7,
contact time of 115.27 min, initial metal concentration of 100 mg/and
temperature of 25°C. FTIR and TGA analysis showed the presence of oxygen
containing functional groups on the surface of the activated carbon
produced and that the weight loss during the activation step was
negligible.

Abstract

The paper is focused on the research of ecotoxicological properties of
mortar prisms produced with partial cement replacement by ash from
energy recovery of municipal waste. Two types of ash were used: ash from
incineration and ash from municipal waste gasifi cation. According to
the Waste Catalogue, ash is considered other waste, which is
non-hazardous and nowadays it is predominantly landfi lled. Negative
results of standardized biotests are inevitable precondition for the use
of ash for construction products. The results from both biotests (acute
toxicity test on aquatic organisms Daphnia magna and growth inhibition
test of higher cultivated plants Sinapis alba) confi rmed suitability of
cement replacement by ash from energy recovery of municipal waste.
Environmental safety of produced mortar prisms is different. Recommended
replacement of cement with ash, obtained from municipal waste gasifi
cation, is 10% and with ash gained from incineration is 15%. The use of
this type of waste in construction industry will lead to the decrease of
landfi lled waste. Due to the replacement of cement with waste (from
industrial branches) natural resources of raw materials used in the
process of cement production are saved.

Abstract

Agriculture is a signifi cant source of gaseous pollutants such as
ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds. Ammonia
is particularly important due to the high emission and local, as well as
global impact on the environment. The release of NH3 is one
of the main ways of nitrogen emission to the atmosphere and it
contributes to its subsequent deposition. The aim of the study was to
analyze ammonia emissions from animal production in Poland in 2005–2017,
its regional diversity and possibilities of its reduction in
agriculture. The ammonia emission was calculated for the animal
production groups according to the NFR classifi cation. The values of
ammonia emission were calculated based on ammonia emission factors used
by KOBIZE, in accordance with the EMEP/EEA methods. In 2017, the NH3
emission from Polish agriculture amounted 288 Gg and it accounted for
96% of the emission in 2005. Ammonia emission from livestock production,
in 2005–2017, on average accounted for 79.8% of agricultural emissions.
The largest share had the cattle (51%) and swine (30%) production. The NH3
emissions differed strongly between provinces. The emission density (kg
NH3·km-2·year-1) in provinces
with intensive livestock production was about 5.5 times higher than in
regions, where livestock production was the lowest. The mitigation
strategies should be implemented primarily in provinces where reduction
potential is the largest. The assessment of the reduction potential
should take into account the NH3 emission per 1 km2
and the low

Contact

Instructions for authors

Instructions for Authors

Archives of Environmental Protection is a quarterly published
jointly by the Institute of Environmental Engineering of the Polish
Academy of Sciences and the Committee of Environmental Engineering of
the Polish Academy of Sciences. Thanks to the cooperation with
outstanding scientists from all over the world we are able to provide
our readers with carefully selected, most interesting and most valuable
texts, presenting the latest state of research in the field of
engineering and environmental protection.

Scope

The Journal principally accepts for publication original research papers
covering such topics as:

- Air quality, air pollution prevention and treatment;

- Wastewater treatment and utilization;

- Waste management;

- Hydrology and water quality, water treatment;

- Soil protection and remediation;

- Transformations and transport of organic/inorganic pollutants in the
environment;

- Measurement techniques used in environmental engineering and
monitoring;

The Journal accepts also authoritative and critical reviews of the
current state of knowledge in the topic directly relating to the
environment protection.

If unsure whether the article is within the scope of the Journal, please
send an abstract via e-mail to: aep@ipis.zabrze.pl

Preparation of the manuscript

The following are the requirements for manuscripts submitted for
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